If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, you’ve got to try this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe. It’s like the warm hug of classic chicken parmesan, but in soup form — perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a satisfying bowl of goodness. Trust me, once you try it, the creamy broth, tender chicken, and those melty mozzarella croutons will have you hooked.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, comforting flavors: It perfectly captures the essence of chicken parmesan in a cozy, slurpable form.
Mozzarella croutons are a game-changer: They add that ooey-gooey cheese element and a satisfying crunch that your family will beg for.
Easy to make with pantry staples: You likely already have many ingredients on hand, so it’s a convenient weeknight winner.
Customizable and forgiving: You can tweak the herbs, pasta, or bread based on what you like or have in the kitchen.

The dish shows a close-up of a layered pasta meal in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The top layer is a thick square of melted cheese, golden and bubbly with light brown spots. Underneath the cheese, there's a crispy toasted layer with a light golden color. Surrounding this is a rich red tomato sauce with visible bits of herbs and spices. Scattered around are spiral pasta pieces, pale yellow with a slightly soft texture. Bright green fresh basil leaves add a pop of color near the center. The overall look is warm, cheesy, and richly textured. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Parmesan Soup, Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons, comforting chicken soup recipes, cheesy chicken soup, easy Italian-inspired soups

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to build layers of flavor — juicy baked chicken, savory broth with herbs and tomato paste, plus those memorable mozzarella croutons on top. I always recommend fresh garlic and good-quality broth; they really make a difference.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts with natural texture and pale pink color, a sweet whole onion with unpeeled papery skin, three whole garlic cloves with white cloves and papery husks, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of dried basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of fire roasted diced tomatoes showing tomato chunks with charred bits, uncooked farfalle pasta with characteristic bowtie shapes and smooth pale yellow surface, fresh whole basil leaves with vibrant green color, finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, several evenly cut bread cubes with natural crust and soft crumb in a simple white ceramic bowl, several thin slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese stacked neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Parmesan Soup, Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons, comforting chicken soup recipes, cheesy chicken soup, easy Italian-inspired soups

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Baking instead of boiling keeps them juicy and tender for the soup.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all the flavors in the soup.
Garlic powder and dried basil: These classic Italian herbs boost the soup’s aroma and taste effortlessly.
Swanson Chicken Broth: A quality broth is your soup’s flavor base—rich and comforting.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and drizzling, it provides a gentle fruitiness and helps soften vegetables.
Sweet onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acid from tomatoes.
Fresh garlic cloves: Gives fresh, pungent flavor — much better than garlic powder here.
Tomato paste: Adds depth and richness to the broth; cooking it out is key for mellow flavor.
Diced fire-roasted tomatoes: Bring a smoky, slightly charred note that’s delicious and savory.
Pasta (rotini or farfalle): Shape matters — I like smaller pasta that holds the broth well without overpowering the soup.
Parmesan cheese (finely grated): Stirred in for umami richness and sprinkled on top for that finishing touch.
Fresh basil leaves: For garnish — fresh, fragrant, and perfect with tomato-based dishes.
Bread cubes: These become your mozzarella croutons; choose sturdy bread like ciabatta or sourdough for best texture.
Mozzarella cheese slices: Melts on top of your croutons for that iconic cheesy finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood. Cooking is all about having fun and trying different twists, so don’t be shy about swapping ingredients or adding your favorite veggies.

Add crushed red pepper flakes: I toss some in when I want a little heat — it complements the tomato and cheese perfectly without overpowering.
Use gluten-free pasta: If you’re avoiding gluten, gluten-free rotini works well and still absorbs all that delicious broth.
Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone: These cheeses melt beautifully and offer a slightly different flavor profile for variety.
Mix in chopped spinach or kale: For a green boost, I add them near the end of cooking — it brightens the soup and adds texture.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Chicken for Juicy, Flavorful Meat

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F. Lay the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. A little olive oil drizzled on top helps lock in moisture and encourages browning. Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F. I like to slightly underbake it because it will finish cooking in the soup and stay tender. Once it cools a bit, dice it into bite-sized cubes, ready to join the party in the pot.

Step 2: Create the Irresistible Mozzarella Croutons

While that’s baking, toss your bread cubes with a little olive oil on another baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for 8–10 minutes until they turn golden and crunchy—just what you want for a great crouton. Next, lay a slice of mozzarella on each bread cube and return them to the oven for 2–3 minutes until melty and bubbly. Here’s a trick I learned: you can toast the bread ahead of time and add the mozzarella last minute when you’re ready to serve — it saves time and still tastes incredible.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base with Heavenly Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Stir often and cook until the onions soften and become translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another 5 minutes — this step really deepens the flavor and mellows the tomato’s acidity. Remember to be patient here; it makes all the difference.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Add in your cubed chicken, diced fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices!), and Swanson Chicken Broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Toss in your pasta and cook until tender — usually about 8–10 minutes depending on the shape. Stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. Once the pasta is cooked, mix in the finely grated parmesan cheese for a creamy undertone. Give it a taste — you might want to add a little more salt or pepper depending on your preference.

Step 5: Serve with a Melty Mozzarella Crouton

Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and crown each one with a mozzarella crouton or two. Sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh basil leaves on top for that signature Italian finish. Serve immediately, and watch your friends or family’s faces light up with every warm, cheesy spoonful.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

Don’t overcook the chicken: Slightly underbaking ensures it stays juicy when it simmers later.
Toast the bread ahead: Mozzarella croutons are best fresh but prepping the bread cubes in advance saves prep time.
Cook pasta separately for leftovers: If you plan to store soup, cook pasta just until al dente or separately to avoid sogginess.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated often lacks flavor and doesn’t melt as nicely into the soup.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

The image shows two white bowls filled with a rich soup on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has three main layers: the bottom layer is a reddish-brown broth, slightly thick with visible seasoning. The middle layer has yellow spiral pasta mixed with chunks of cooked light brown meat and small pieces of green basil leaves scattered on top. The top layer features a square piece of melted cheese with a light golden-brown crust. A silver spoon is placed inside the front bowl, resting on the edge. Nearby, there is a partially visible carton of chicken broth and two fresh basil leaves on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Parmesan Soup, Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons, comforting chicken soup recipes, cheesy chicken soup, easy Italian-inspired soups

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top add a pop of color and herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness. I also love adding a little extra grated Parmesan for more cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough on its own, but when I want to round out the meal, I reach for a crisp Caesar salad or garlic-roasted green beans. A fresh baguette or some simple garlic bread makes great dipping companions if you want extra crunch on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, serving this soup in small, clear glass mugs or mini bowls topped with a single mozzarella crouton and fresh basil leaf looks gorgeous and lets guests appreciate the layers of flavors. You can also broil the croutons straight in the soup for a bubbly, gratin-style top that wows every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from getting mushy, I either store it separately or make sure it’s cooked just a little less than usual so it doesn’t over-soften when reheated.

Freezing

This soup freezes well without the mozzarella croutons. I freeze in portion-sized containers and add fresh croutons when serving. The broth and chicken hold up beautifully after thawing, making it great for busy days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen. Add fresh mozzarella croutons as you heat or just before serving for best melt and texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of baking my own?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup near the end, allowing it to heat through without overcooking.
What type of bread works best for mozzarella croutons?

Choose sturdy breads like ciabatta, sourdough, or a rustic baguette. They toast well without falling apart and provide a satisfying crunch under the melty mozzarella.
Can this soup be made dairy-free?

Yes! Skip the mozzarella croutons and parmesan, or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. You can also enjoy the soup on its own or with toast topped with a dairy-free spread.
How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, the soup stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving, and add fresh mozzarella croutons each time.
What pasta is best for this recipe?

Small to medium-sized pasta like rotini, farfalle, or small shells work best. They cook quickly and hold the broth nicely without overpowering the soup.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe brings all the flavors of a classic Italian favorite into one cozy bowl. Every time I make it, it feels like a little celebration at the dinner table — family members come back for seconds, and I get that joyful cooking glow. You’ll enjoy how simple it is to make yet how impressively flavorful it turns out. Give it a try soon, and I promise it’ll become your go-to comfort meal too!